Omega-3 fatty acids are also known as "fish oil." Studies have shown that these polyunsaturated fatty acids benefit the hearts of healthy people, those at high risk of cardiovascular disease, or those who already have cardiovascular disease.

Doctors are still studying the ways that fish oil reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. They do know that fish oils

decrease the risk of arrhythmias

decrease triglyceride levels

slow the growth rate of fatty plaque in the arteries

lower blood pressure (slightly)

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating fish (especially fatty fish) at least two times a week. Examples of fatty fish include mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon. These fish are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

The AHA also recommends eating tofu and other forms of soybeans, walnuts, flaxseeds, and canola oil. These contain alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which can be turned into omega-3 fatty acid in the body.

If you are thinking of taking a fish oil supplement (in a pill form), talk to your doctor. A fish oil overdose can cause serious health problems, such as internal bleeding or stroke.

In the news . . . Have fish oil supplements lost their luster?

Fish oil supposedly helped prevent a range of health issues...That's changing a bit now. Read the article from the Houston Chronicle. [Photo credit Gita Kulinica, Chronicle] "Pills
are not a substitute for a good diet," says Dr. Stephanie Coulter who
directs the Center for Women's Heart & Vascular Health at the Texas
Heart Institute. One exception, she says, are people who can't control
high triglyceride levels with diet and exercise. For those people, she
said, 4 grams of fish oil supplements per day have been shown to reduce
triglycerides by 40 percent. "As adults, we can all protect our hearts
against heart disease by eating fatty fish at least twice a week." Coulter says.